Speaking with Jeff McQueen, he heads the Mental Health Association of Nassau County

In speaking with Jeffrey McQueen, the executive director of the Mental Health Association of Nassau County, we learned the combat veteran has had first-hand experience with multiple facets of recovery.

Before his journey in recovery, McQueen was treated at several institutions battling emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse. He has presented implementation techniques across the country on personal growth and change, time management, and other recovery based modalities. Learning from the obstacles he had to overcome, McQueen has embraced these experiences and has used them not just to educate society, but to find purpose and empowerment in the experiences.

As executive director, McQueen takes a unique position and works for his staff to makes sure that they’re armed with the appropriate tools and knowledge to get the job done and support their community in becoming the healthiest community it can be.

Holding the candle and fanning the flame of desire for recovery so that recovery isn’t simply possible or probable but expected. When the right care is provided and the staff supporting them cares about outcomes, then those they serve get better. McQueen’s job is to provide the community with vision, tools and people that assures them recovery is inevitable.

1. Tell us about your work at Mental Health Association of Nassau County. MHANC is a nonprofit behavioral health organization that has a focus of advocacy. Working with some of the most vulnerable members of our community gain equal access to health care and live in the communities of their choice. We do this through a variety of direct care services.
2. What are some of the services offered?

We have a Community Living Program that provides housing for people that live with mental health diagnosis from congregate care to independent living. We have Care Coordination, a program that meets people in the community to assist with connection to appropriate and adequate care.

We have a Peer department that links Veterans with Veterans for support and people with lived experience with other members of the community that have substance use and mental health diagnosis. We have crisis respites which is an alternative to hospitalization when a person is in crisis. Moreover, I would mention that we have day programs for people who would like support with daily living skills. For a complete list, please visit Mhanc.org.

3. Who are some of the people you serve in the community?

We primarily service people in the community that have been diagnosed with Mental Health Diagnosis and/or substance use disorder.

4. The opioid addiction and overdose statistics on Long Island are alarming! LI has experienced the highest number of opioid deaths in New York State, and the state has one of the highest rates (top 5) of drug overdoses in the nation.

I believe that access to care is low while exposure to trauma is high. When the community doesn’t have the ability to cope, it will result in a high rate of self-medicating.

Unfortunately, most people aren’t aware of what they are buying or getting access to. Fentanyl is cheap so it’s in everything and is everywhere but it’s also lethal in small doses. 70 percent of overdoses is because of fentanyl.

5. Do you believe that the schools are doing enough or nothing at all to educate the younger generation about the consequences?

I believe the schools are working hard to combat this but when you have an issue of this magnitude, you can never do enough.

6. Some parents deem the topic as taboo. What do you have to say to them?

I would say that it’s a myth. We must make this common knowledge and make our communities and children aware. Knowledge is power! If children aren’t aware that fentanyl is in vape pens, then there is no fear of using them. Likewise, if they are unaware of the risk, then we remove the fear of using them.

7. What do you personally think is the reason why mental health is hitting harder today?

Well since you said personally think … LOL. I believe that emotional stress, mental illness, mental health diagnosis, or whatever you choose to title it as is a result of trauma. I believe that what we are seeing in our community are the side effects of trauma.

And if we look back over the past few years, we have experienced more trauma than we have in a very long time and the most ever as it relates to the length of time and how widespread it was.

Never have we had to accept that what we are facing is worldwide. People have been forced to work and fear coming home with an illness that could or may even have killed their aging relatives. Watching the news and seeing the numbers of lives taken rise as quickly as those infected.

8. We see that you’re using your voice to destigmatize mental health. How can we as a community do better in speaking about the topic?

I believe it’s about education first. Learn what to say and the appropriate language and then have the conversation. Invite us (the experts) into your environments to educate your student, teachers, families, and employees.

9. Many “notable” celebrities, athletes and high-profile individuals are finally starting to come forward and speak on the topic. What would you like to see more of from them in bringing awareness to the cause?

I would like to see them partner with some of the community-based organizations for campaigns that can capture a larger audience for awareness.

10. We know the second annual Overdose Prevention & Awareness Walk is coming up on Saturday, Oct. 7 at Jones Beach. How can sponsors, donors and our community get involved?

I’m going to say donate, participate, and spread the word. We would love to have you out there with us and need your support! Overdose is the number one leading cause of accidental deaths in the country. Overdose unlike cancer is avoidable. We can do something about it, together!

11. Please share your social media handles with us.

https://www.facebook.com/MHANassau/

https://www.instagram.com/MHANassau/

https://twitter.com/mhanassau

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mhanassau/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoL_Hz_k13ltiNALP8vFwQ?view_as=subscriber